The most decent man in the Senate.
Robert F. Kennedy
The single nicest human being I've ever met.
William F. Buckley
Two such different men, yet they are speaking of the same man; a man who has been a personal hero to Tom and I for lo, these many years. That man is George McGovern, and yesterday we were lucky enough to see him. I read on the Book Notes New Hampshire blog that he was going to be at two bookstores in the state yesterday. It was too late to go to Portsmouth, but we could easily make the appearance at Gibson's Bookstore in the state capital of Concord.
A while ago on Book TV, we saw Mr. McGovern signing his new book at a private home in Washington. It is available to watch online, if you'd like to do so. The book is:
It is one in a series on all the Presidents, written by many different people such as Robert Dallek on Harry S. Truman, H. W. Brands on Woodrow Wilson, and Elizabeth Drew on Richard M. Nixon. He told us that more books have been written on Abraham Lincoln than on all the other Presidents combined, around 6000 books.
On July 19, George McGovern turned 87 years old, and what a model for aging he is. Clear mind, passionate beliefs, eloquent speaker, and just the kindest heart. You may read more about our evening here. After he signed our book, he shook both our hands, and with tears in my eyes, I told him he was our hero.
Afterwards while we were looking for a parking place so we could eat at a Mexican restaurant, we just happened onto a new Egyptian restaurant called Gamil's which featured the best falafel, hummus, and tabouli I've ever had. A perfect ending to a perfect time spent with the man we admire above all others.
Yes, I voted for him, too, and was heartbroken when he lost! He looks very good in your photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic experience! And I'm a little jealous of your meal. :-) Middle Eastern food is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteLezlie
Ooh! I know my folks voted for him for president back in '72; maybe I'll have to see if I can pick up a copy of the book for my dad's birthday this fall...
ReplyDeleteA wonderful man indeed.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely it is to meet a hero and find that they do not disappoint!
What a wonderful tribute. Sounds like you had a heavenly day all around.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see him looking so well and still accomplishing great things. I wish that there were many more people, particularly in politics, like him.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful outing! It's so uplifting to be in the presence of someone you admire.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear what you think of Olive Kitteridge...
Glad you met your hero in person and enjoyed your trip to Concord. Several of my acquaintances attended the signing.
ReplyDeleteGibson's is always a treat...even though it's too temptingly close to Bread & Chocoloate!
How thrilling for you, I have read a lot about him, what an admirable man he is. Nice that he has written about Lincoln, I bet it is a really good read. I read Doris Kearns Goodwin's biography of Lincoln earlier this year, fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI bet you are still glowing from the meeting.
Carole
What a delight to meet and talk with one of your heroes.
ReplyDeleteI believe those butterflies are Great Spangled Frilillaries. The only other one they could be is the Aphrodite Fritillary.
Nan, sounds like a great time!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great "date" for you and Tom! Don't you sometimes just feel happy about your wonderful life? And I'd glad to learn that Geo McGovern is still in good health and good spirits. He too has had a wonderful and significant life!
ReplyDeleteThanks to each of you for writing. I loved all your words. And thanks Lisa for the butterfly info.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great time that was for you! A terrific memory, for sure.
ReplyDeleteMare, that's very true.
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I remember writing to him in 1972 for a class project. I was in 5th grade. I got a signed photograph. I wonder what ever happened to it. I think Rod has a McGovern bumper sticker downstairs on his bulletin board.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of the two of you, by the way!
ReplyDeleteAnd while you were in the fifth grade, Tom was voting for the first time! I may still have my button.
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting. My husband's family is from SD and they know him. I'll pass this on ....
ReplyDeleteBonnie